Complex Hinduism for Dummies: Sages, Gods, Manifestations, and Core Beliefs

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB

A Christian friend, and visual artist is in India this week, and described it on Twitter as "completely complex." In Hinduism for Dummies, Amrutur V. Srinivasan writes: "To people raised in other faiths, Hinduism may seem very complex, but the core beliefs of Hinduism are actually quite simple to understand. Many Westerners also know that Hindus worship a variety of gods and goddesses who personify aspects of Brahman." One of the complexities are the spiritual leaders such as Bhrigu Keshav, a manifestation of Vishnu. This manifestation is associated with Sage Bhrigu. Legend has it that Sage Bhrigu once kicked on the chest of Vishnu to wake him up in the Vaikunta. Vishnu was not at all angry with his Bhakta, Sage Bhrigu. The murti of Bhrigu Keshav is associated with Sage Bhrigu’s Bhakti for Vishnu, and representations of the Sage are in temples throughout the country. I have a long way to go in understanding the complexity of Hinduism, but the artwork helps.